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Dauphin Island Sea Lab Seeking Volunteers for
"DockWatch" - A Jellyfish Monitoring Program |
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Contact: Lisa Young 334/861-7509 Last year, large numbers of exotic (non-native) jellyfish were spotted in the Gulf Coast area. Scientists at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and other marine labs have been conducting studies on why the population dynamics of jellyfish have changed over the years, and how this could impact our local ecosystems and economy. The consequences of these unusual populations of jellyfish can range from negative effects on tourism to decreased recreational and commercial fishing. This year, Dr. Monty Graham, Senior Marine Scientist at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, is initiating a program of volunteer monitors, DockWatch, to make routine observations on water quality and presence of jellyfish along waterways of coastal Mississippi and Alabama, including bays and estuaries. This information, provided by volunteers, is crucial so that scientists can track the occurrence and determine the causes of invasive jellyfish blooms. The study will continue through a 12-month period, covering targeted coastal areas. All thatıs needed from the public is a convenient once or twice weekly sampling in their community. Water sampling kits and training will be provided by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. After gathering their samples and observations, DockWatchers will then log on to a Dauphin Island Sea Lab web site to report their findings. A Sea Lab staff member may contact the volunteers about their observations. Public participation is crucial to this study. For more information on how you can help, please call: The Dauphin Island Sea Lab 334/861-2141 Or check out our web site at http://dockwatch.disl.org. Please call today! (This program is funded by the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium). |
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